The Abu Dhabi Harlequins Rugby Club from the capital of the United Arab Emirates is currently on tour in Sri Lanka with two youth teams who will take on the Agoal Rugby Academy on Thursday 13th February 2014.
The matches will commence at 3.00 pm at the CR & FC grounds in Colombo.
“The seed of the idea was planted during our home Etihad Junior Festival last October,” said coach Dominic Whiting, “when we were surprised to find that three teams had entered from Trinity College, and since those teams had come such a long way to support our tournament, we decided if we could return the favour.”
“Whilst many people are aware of Sri Lanka’s passion for Cricket, less people know just how popular Rugby Union is there and it certainly is a privilege for me to be here”, said Manager Dorian Digby-Johns, “in fact I believe Sri Lanka is one of the premier Rugby nations in Asia, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for the kids to play some great rugby, explore a new culture, and help promote the game they love.”
The Abu Dhabi Harlequins Rugby Club draws players from a number of different schools in the Capital of the UAE, and brings together children from a wide variety of nationalities and backgrounds. “The kids have really looked forward to the tour, and will definitely remember the experience for a long time to come”, said Molly Scragg, Manager of the U9s squad.
The teams will be in Sri Lanka from 9th to 14th February and play against Trinity College in Kandy, and the Agoal Rugby Academy in Colombo and will use the rest of their time to explore the culture and heritage of Sri Lanka, and take part in some adventurous activities at Kitulgala. The head of Agoal Academy Dilroy Fernando stated that the opportunity to play against the teams from Abu Dhabi will test the skills of our youngsters, and provide them with a different experience. The academy has made elaborate arrangements to make the visitors feel at home at the CR & FC and enjoy the rugby dished out by the future generations.
Games will be played from 3.00 p.m. onwards on a round robin basis.
Venue : C.R. & F.C. grounds , Longdon Place.
Agoal will field 2 teams in each age groups ( U 10 and U 13 .)
